The Winds of Anthos
You can hardly swing a controller in this industry today without hitting at least three different farming sims. The genre has absolutely exploded in the years followingStardew Valleyand there seems to be no shortage of developers looking to have players out there hoeing with the best of ’em. In 2022, we saw some fine farm sims, includingHarvestella, theDoraemon Story of Seasonssequel, and the absolutely resplendentWylde Flowers. Looking ahead to 2023, we haveStory of Seasons: A Wonderful Life,Rune Factory 3 Special,Fae Farm, and hopefully the full release ofCoral Island. We also haveThe Winds of Anthos.
Earlier this week, Natsume announcedThe Winds of Anthoswould be the next entry in itsHarvest Moonfranchise, following last year’sHarvest Moon: One World. That gamewasn’t exactly well received, something that has been a consistent theme of theHarvest Moonseries since it was separated fromBokujō Monogatari. Though I foundHarvest Moon: Mad Dashto be quite enjoyable, it’s hard not to argue the once-dominant name in farm simulations has fallen on tough times.
https://twitter.com/Natsume_Inc/status/1603058626398142467
We’ll see if that can be turned around withThe Winds of Anthos. Aiming for a summer 2023 launch, the game will take place in the land of Anthos, where 20 years prior, a volcanic eruption separated the villages of the region. The Harvest Goddess, using the last of her power to save the people, cast a bottle containing a magic key into the ocean. What that key unlocks will be discovered when the game launches next year.
Hiro Maekawa, president and CEO of Natsume,says the game will, “take players to new lands and include features that are completely new to the series. We are eager to reveal more in the new year, since we still have so many big surprises planned for this remarkable anniversary.” The anniversary in question is the 25th anniversary of theHarvest Moonfranchise. You’ll rememberBokujō Monogataricelebrated its 25th anniversary last year with the release ofStory of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town.
Hopefully,The Winds of Anthoswill be a step in the right direction for Natsume. Then again, Isaid the exact same thingaboutOne World, and that really didn’t work out for me. But, because it’s the holiday season, I choose to go with hope and joy on this one.
